More bad weather is on the way – freezing rain and significant rainfall warnings are now in effect for the Northumberland and Quinte regions.
Environment Canada had already issued a special weather statement for the regions. On Tuesday afternoon, officials issued the additional warnings.
Environment Canada said freezing rain is anticipated to hit the area again Wednesday, with ice accretion of two-to-four millimetres on some surfaces possible.
However, officials have noted that this weather event won’t be nearly as significant as the weekend ice storm.
The freezing rain will start east of Lake Huron Wednesday morning before reaching Central Ontario late Wednesday afternoon. Precipitation may start as snow and ice pellets for some areas, noted officials, adding that easterly winds gusting 50-60 km/h may exacerbate tree damage.
As temperatures rise above the freezing mark, freezing rain will transition to rain Wednesday afternoon. For locations over higher terrain, freezing rain may linger into early Wednesday evening.
Again, surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery, and officials are urging residents to take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.
Meanwhile, in Environment Canada’s rainfall warning, officials note that the ground – already near saturation – has little ability to absorb further rainfall. Environment Canada is calling for total rainfall amounts of 20-to-40 mm. Locally higher amounts are possible if thunderstorms repeatedly impact the same area – in these instances, rainfall amounts may exceed 50 mm over some areas.
The heavy rain is anticipated Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, with the rain ending from west to east.
Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Heavy downpours can also cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)